I have a 1991 Silver Anniversary Bronco. I am almost positive the engine seized due to a small oil leak that I was not aware of. I am not a mechanic by any means. So, I am writing here to get suggestions on what to do. Can I get the engine "unlocked" somehow or is it just trash and need a new engine? I would almost rather sell the thing than have to get a new engine for it. Thanks in advance for any advice given

 

What exactly makes you think the engine is seized? if it had absolutely no oil and it suddenly and loudly stopped running then you might have seized it up but it would probably be very obvious if that happened. (ie rod through the block or something.)for the most parts engines will become 'seized' when they sit for too long with bad or water in the oil and your moving parts get too rusted. other than that you usually have to break things. or get the engine so hot that things kind of swell too large for their holes. have you tried turning the engine over by hand? put it in neutral and put a socket on the crank pulley and turn. a big v8 requires a bit of oomph but not back breaking force.

 

Again, I am far from being a mechanic. I just would hate to part with this truck and definitely don't want to have to put an engine in it. Here is what happened. ..

I was driving. It sputtered a little. Then drove fine again. I started up a fairly steep, long hill, and at the top of it, she **** down. I wouldn't say loudly. It just shut off. I could not get it cracked. It would make the standard "clicking" noise of the starter, but nothing would turn over and far from a crank. I got it towed. The tow guy said the engine was locked. Do I know if it is or not, no. I'm going by what I was told. He also mentioned there was no oil. It hadn't been long since i had gotten an oil change (maybe a month or two), and drove the truck very minimally. So, I assumed there was a leak somewhere since this fellow was sayingIit was oil dry. Now, this is where I sit

 

Verify oil level by checking it your self.
If empty look underneath for missing oil plug or leaking filter,oil soaked underside.
Battery voltage OK? that would shut it down.

(added in edit) being non trusting of many humans ,tricks such as checking oil by mech/tow driver etc can be misrepresented if they want to buy the vehicle cheap.
Looking for oil leaks could lay the blame on oil changers.
Many of the "quick change" pl;aces have left drian plugs loose, etc.

 

Also if you post your location someone on the forum that is close may be able to help you.

 

I lost oil pressure in my 5.0L '91 bronco on the way home. Because the weather was really cold I drove it the rest of the way home, 15 miles! Zero oil pressure, and it didn't seize. oil pump was the culprit so I went ahead with a 5.8L swap. Anyhow, use a 15/16" socket on flywheel bolt and see if it will rotate at all. It could be a starter issue. If the engine is stuck or locked up, you may have to get someone to help rebuild or replace it.